The Washington Capitals are going to be the most well-rested team in the NHL after the 4 Nations break because they didn’t have any representatives at the tournament. As if the best team in the league needed any more of an advantage, the Capitals should come out guns blazing this afternoon.
Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby helped lead Canada to a championship over the past 10 days, but how will he feel jumping right back into game action?
Find out why my Capitals vs. Penguins predictions and NHL picks on Saturday, February 22, favor the road team.
Capitals vs Penguins prediction
My best bet
Capitals 3-way moneyline (+100 at FanDuel)
My analysis
Despite being one point back of the Winnipeg Jets in the league standings, the Washington Capitals have consistently been the best team in the NHL all season. To me, this team does everything the right way and that’s why things have been clicking for them.
Getting the extra rest will be extremely advantageous for this group that relies on some older players like Alex Ovechkin up front and John Carlson on the back end. That said, I expect them to pick up right where they left off, and that is largely due to the coaching of Spencer Carbery, who has done an outstanding job with this group.
For the Pittsburgh Penguins, their head coach Mike Sullivan is still just one day removed from a heartbreaking overtime loss in the 4 Nations final against his captain, Sidney Crosby. Crosby is questionable for today’s game, which makes sense considering that the Penguins will also play tomorrow.
Goaltending ultimately stands out in this contest, and Logan Thompson has been one of the best in the league this season, going 24-2-5 with a .921 save percentage and a 2.23 goals-against average to go with his +26.8 goals saved above expected, the second-best rating in the NHL. Alex Nedeljkovic is Pittsburgh's expected starter and his numbers have been nowhere near as good at 12-9-5 with a .900 SV% and a 2.93 GAA.
The Capitals dominated the last meeting between these teams. They’re stronger offensively and their blue line is a much tougher group to play against. Washington has the second-best goals per game, averaging 3.56 per contest, and they’ll be extra dangerous with a well-rested group.
Capitals vs Penguins same-game parlay (SGP)
Capitals 3-way moneyline
Over 5.5
Tom Wilson 1+ points
Even though Washington is a great defensive group, there might be a little bit of rust in Thompson’s game after not seeing game action for two weeks. You can never be sure with the goalies in the games following a break. While I’m confident Thompson will help secure the win, he might give up one or two along the way.
On the flip side, the Capitals offense will come out fresh and firing, especially guys like Dylan Strome and Tom Wilson.
There was a lot of chatter about Wilson being a Team Canada snub over the past two weeks. Wilson was on fire coming into the break, putting up points in four of his last five games for a total of seven (four goals, three assists). Wilson has been a beast for Washington all season, and he’ll pick up right where he left off.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Capitals vs Penguins odds
Capitals vs Penguins live odds
Capitals vs Penguins opening odds
- Puck line: Washington -1.5 (+180) | Pittsburgh +1.5 (-220)
- Moneyline: Washington -140 | Pittsburgh +120
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-135) | Under 5.5 (+115)
Capitals vs Penguins trend
The Washington Capitals have hit the Moneyline in 51 of their last 87 games (+15.25 Units / 14% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Capitals vs. Penguins.
How to watch Capitals vs Penguins
| Location | PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA |
| Date | Saturday, 2-22-2025 |
| Puck drop | 3:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ABC |
Capitals vs Penguins latest injuries
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